Scintillating Stephen Sondheim Revue Opens Soon

September 29, 2013 by · 1 Comment 

By Falls Church Times Staff
September 29, 2013

Fresh off a sold out cabaret, Voices of Vantage last month, Dani Stoller returns to Creative Cauldron in Marry Me a Little when it begins its run on October 4 at ArtSpace Falls Church.  Performances are weekends through October 27: Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm and 7 pm.

Dani Stoller & Lou Steele in "Marry Me a Little" at Creative Cauldron at ArtSpace Falls Church.

Dani Stoller & Lou Steele in “Marry Me a Little” at Creative Cauldron at ArtSpace Falls Church.

Dani Stoller has charmed audiences in the past with her performances at Creative Cauldron in Helen Hayes Recommended Nevermore, Peter Pan and Wendy, and her one-woman show That Girl. She has also captivated audiences at 1st Stage, Wooly Mammoth, and the Kennedy Center.

In Creative Cauldron’s season opening production, Dani is joined by Washington, DC newcomer Lou Steele. Lou Steele, an accomplished actor, was seen most recently in the Capitol Fringe Festival playing Daniel in Love, NY. He’s also starred in regional productions of Legally Blonde, Sweeny Todd, and Hairspray and is the co-founder of the QuackenSteele Theatre Company in Alexandria and a member of Actors Equity.

Matt Conner directs Marry Me a Little, a charming and bittersweet revue of Stephen Sondheim trunk songs culled from some his most famous Broadway musicals. With musical accompaniment by Amy Conley, the talented cast will bring this unique collection of Stephen Sondheim’s songs to life in Creative Cauldron’s intimate, 90-seat black box theater.

Creative Cauldron is located at ArtSpace Falls Church, 410 S. Maple Avenue.  Tickets are $25 Adult and $22 Seniors/Students and can be purchased online at www.creativecauldron.org

 

 

SUNDAY, 9/15: Composting for Beginners

September 8, 2013 by · Leave a Comment 

On Sunday, September 15, from 3:00 to 4:30 pm, the City’s Environmental Services department will host a compost workshop. Learn to make rich organic compost from yard trimmings and leaves. Topics include a composting demonstration, making compost tea, proper food waste composting, and vermicomposting (composting with worms). Participants will take home a free portable yard waste compost bin. Cherry Hill Park Picnic Shelter, 312 Park Ave. (Event will take place rain or shine.) To reserve your spot, contact Master Gardener Sandy Tarpinian at [email protected] or 703-536-7186.

 

SATURDAY, 8/3: Axe-Throwing Contest

July 18, 2013 by · 1 Comment 

Hand-eye coordination with good technique is what you’ll need to be the winner at the American Legion’s Third Annual Lizzie Borden Axe-Throwing contest.  The event will be hosted by Legion Post 130 at 400 N. Oak Street in Falls Church from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 3, 2013.   Whether you fancy yourself a frontier explorer or you like a little competition, this event is your chance to hone your hatchet-throwing skills.  “Last year it was about 90 degrees but a lot of people came out and had a good time,” said Mike Strickler, the Second Vice-Commander.

Veterans understand the importance of safety and Legion organizers will provide instruction and practice on proper throwing technique and, of course, safety, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.  At 1 p.m. the competition starts whereby participants compete for points.  The participant with the most points will be awarded the coveted Silver Hatchet, recognizing his or her skill in axe-throwing.

The Legion wants to take this opportunity to show its support for America’s veterans.  Post 130 will sell official Post 130 Lizzie Borden Axe-Throwing Contest T-shirts, with 100% of the proceeds going to the Wounded Warrior Foundation. Veterans will also be able to sign up on the spot for membership to the American Legion with a discounted price of $20 for a one-year membership, discounted from the regular fee of $30 when the veteran presents a copy of his or her DD-214 or current military identification.

The cost of competition is $10 and free for spectators. The Legion will offer food and beverage for sale at the event.  Rules and other information are posted on the Legion’s website, http://post130.org. The competition is open to individuals 16 years of age and older.  Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Contact information:

Bob Simpson, Post Commander

American Legion Virginia Post 130

400 N. Oak Street, Falls Church, VA 22046

Telephone: (703) 533-1945

Website: http://post130.org

E-mail: [email protected].

 

Winning art from Plein Air Festival – “Park Avenue”, “Spring on Cherry St”, “W&OD Trail”, and “West End”

June 30, 2013 by · Leave a Comment 

By FALLS CHURCH TIMES STAFF
June 30, 2013

Plein Air painting is considered one of the most difficult painting challenges.  The elements, changing light, and expansive views are challenging and the rainy weather limited many to fewer paintings.

Please note that the photos cannot due justice to the works as the vibrancy and true colors, size, and energy of brushwork in the paintings are not accurately reflected in the photos below, but are instead presented to give an idea of the variety of media, styles and subjects that were part of this this year’s Festival, which has filled the Falls Church Arts permanent Gallery at ArtSpace Falls Church.

See the five winners below, then come to the Gallery today located at ArtSpace Falls Church, 410 S. Maple Avenue (look for the purple awning and FCA Sandwich Sign) from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm. Sunday Hours.

1st Place
The Don Beyer Volvo-KIA Plein Air Prize,  Mike and June Beyer prime sponsors,
$500 awarded to
Bill Abel
“Park Avenue”
Watercolor

2nd Place

The Tori McKinney, Rock Star Realtor Plein Air Prize
$250 awarded to
Patricia Walach Keough
“Spring on Cherry Street”
oil


3rd Place

The Falls Church Arts President’s Plein Air Prize
$250 awarded to
Rajendra K.C.
“W&OD Trail”
oil
Each year the guests at the Plein Air Festival Competition vote on their favorite painting from opening
until closing of the first day of the show at 4 pm.  The votes are counted and the entry with the highest
vote total wins the People’s Choice $100 award.  This year many votes were cast with almost all of the paintings receiving votes.  Two of our own artists tied for the win:  Kathy Clarken Buschow’s oil, “West End”, and Rajendra KC.’s oil “Spring Day at St. James” won top honors, thanks to the many who came to cast their votes.
People’s Choice Award

Tied with the highest number of votes


Kathy Buschow
“West End”
oil
Rajendra KC
“St. James on a Spring Day”
oil
Falls Church Arts sponsored the The 4th Annual Plein Air Festival.  This year’s contest entries represents a wide range of scenes in the City.  The artists all chose different locations to paint: homes, businesses, churches, streetscapes, parks, and other points of interest.  Artists from all over the metropolitan area as well as Fall Church competed this year with  Patricia W. Keough from Carlisle, PA. winning second place.  All of the other winning artists are well known Falls Church artists.

GALLERY Hours today Sunday, June 30th are 1:00 pm  – 3:30 pm.  Come to ArtSpace Falls Church at 410 S. Maple Avenue and see the beautiful Plein Air Paintings and the winning entries. All art is available for sale, and we encourage you to see the works, your home, business, church, or streetscape may be one of the entries!

“Scenes in the City” Plein Air Falls Church Competition, Saturday, 11 a.m

June 18, 2013 by · Leave a Comment 

OVER $1,000 IN CASH PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED  by ART PATRONS: June and Mike Beyer, Tori McKinney, and others

Artists from as far as Carlisle, Pennsylvania,  join local area artists to compete in the 4th Annual Plein Air Competition this Saturday, June 22nd at 11 a.m. at ArtSpace Falls Church, 410 S. Maple Avenue in the City of Falls Church. The public is invited to attend this free event and vote for their favorite “Scene in the City” painting to win The People’s Choice Award.  Free refreshments will be served.

The Plein Air Festival (Plein Air means painting outside) runs for weeks to allow artists an opportunity to participate  – given their busy work, travel and family schedules.  All participants have their painted entries ready on Saturday.  ArtSpace is filled with the artists particular choice of a favorite or special “Scene in the City” of Falls Church – homes, businesses, parks, and more are represented in many styles and skill levels.  The contest is open to all.  Artists, art-lovers and the curious come and share brunch which begins at 11 a.m. and awards will be announced and presented at 12 noon.  Please come in time to vote for your favorite “Scene in The City”  for the coveted ” People’s Choice Award” .

The first 50 attendees will also receive a coupon for free 5 ou. Zinga Frozen Yogurt or $5 off ! The new Zinga location in Falls Church just opened at the West  Falls Plaza  Shopping Center, 1106-A W. Broad, near Staples and next to Domino’s Pizza!  Come vote and get your free yogurt coupon – 5 ounces free or $5 off – for this tasty summer treat!

Pigeon Pals by Carolyn Grosse' Gawarecki

“Pigeon Pals” by Carolyn Grosse’ Gawarecki

This year’s Competition will be judged by Carolyn Grosse Gawarecki who is a nationally recognized artist whose paintings are in museums, as well as corporate and private collections.

She is the founder and first president of the Potomac Valley Watercolorists, Carolyn is also a signature member of the National Watercolor Society, Knickerbocker Artists, Virginia Watercolor Society, Southern Watercolor Society, Baltimore Watercolor Society, and the Washington Watercolor Society. Carolyn is listed in Who’s Who in America, The World Who’s Who of Women and Who’s Who of the South and Southwest.  See more of her work and information on her life as a painter…..and the Fourth Annual Falls Church Plein Air Festival by clicking the link below.

FCAPAF Juror announced, Virginia Artist Carolyn Grossé Gawarecki

Plein Air Sponsors include Falls Church Arts who produces this event annually and prime FCA sponsor Don Beyer Volvo – Kia (June and Mike Beyer), Tori McKinney – Rock Star  Realtor, Zinga Frozen Yogurt of Falls Church, and Plaza Arts of Fairfax, VA.

Yellow House by Carolyn Grosse' Gawarecki

Yellow House by Carolyn Grosse’ Gawarecki


 

FCAPAF Juror announced, Virginia Artist Carolyn Grossé Gawarecki

THURSDAY, 7/4: Concert and Fireworks

June 17, 2013 by · Leave a Comment 

The City of Falls Church Recreation and Parks Department will present its annual free July 4th Celebration on Thursday, July 4, at George Mason High School (7124 Leesburg Pike). Musical entertainment begins at 7 p.m. with a live performance by The Apple Core, co-sponsored by the Village Preservation and Improvement Society as a part of this summer’s Concerts in the Park Series. The Falls Church City Concert Band will perform during the concert’s intermission. Fireworks will follow at 9:20 p.m.

Spectator seating will be available at George Mason High School’s Moore Cadillac Stadium and the Northern Virginia Graduate Center parking lot. Most of the spectator seating at the high school will be on the synthetic turf football field. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets for the field. Chairs will only be permitted on paved surfaces.

Parking is limited at the high school and visitors are reminded to not park in nearby shopping center parking lots, which are reserved for store customers. Illegally parked vehicles may be towed. Drivers near the high school are reminded to watch for a large number of pedestrians crossing Route 7, especially after the fireworks.

No alcohol, smoking, fireworks, or pets are permitted on site. Food, drinks, and ice cream will be available for sale.

In the event of rain, the event will be held on Friday, July 5 at the same time and location. Spectator seating on the rain date will be available at the high school, but not the Graduate Center parking lot.

To help defray costs of future fireworks programs, donations will be accepted at the event. For more information, call Recreation and Parks at 703-248-5178 (TTY 711).

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, 6/7-9: Tinner Hill Blues Festival

June 6, 2013 by · Leave a Comment 

The Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation and the City of Falls Church will present the 20th Annual Tinner Hill Blues Festival, June 7-9, 2013 in Falls Church, Virginia. The festival has grown from a small community embraced street festival to a 3-day event featuring outstanding national and regional talent. The Tinner Hill festival began in 1994 and is a tribute to the late John Jackson, Piedmont Blues icon and Smithsonian National Heritage Fellow.

2013 performers include:

Friday

  • John Hammond, Blues guitarist and singer
  • Phil Wiggins (formerly of Cephas and Wiggins)

Saturday

  • Big Bill Morganfield, son of the legendary Muddy Waters
  • Sista Monica, “Lioness of the Blues”
  • Roy Book Binder, master guitarist
  • Beverly “Guitar” Watkins, real classic smokin’ blues
  • Daryl Davis and Band, boogie woogie pianist
  • Mary Ann Redmond, soulful rhythm and blues
  • Sheryl Warner and the Southside Homewreckers
  • The Acoustic Blues Women: Eleanor Ellis, Pearl Bailes, Gina DeSimone, Pat Quinn

Other activities include Foxes Music Instrument Petting Zoo, mini guitar lessons, BBQ demonstrations, raffles, vendors, and more!

Free activities include FIRSTfriday of Falls Church; Emily Sings Books at Mary Riley Styles Library; Virginia’s Blues Voice, a intergenerational panel discussion with blues legends, music lovers and next generation musicians; blues genre film screenings at the Falls Church Community Center; Traveling Exhibit, Virginia Songsters; Call it the Blues Art Show at Art and Frame of Falls Church. Free live music all over town including Clare & Don’s Beach Shack; Dogwood Tavern; Stifel & Capra; Art & Frame of Falls Church; Famous Dave’s BBQ and more

Full schedule and ticket information: www.tinnerhill.org

Tickets may be purchased online.

Friday: The State Theatre www.thestatetheatre.com

Advance: $30–Door: $35

Saturday: Cherry Hill Park www.brownpapertickets.com/event/293652

Advance: General: $15 VIP: $25; Gate General: $20 VIP: $35

THURSDAYS, 6/20-8/1: Concerts in the Park

June 6, 2013 by · Leave a Comment 

Enjoy the best of summer at the annual City of Falls Church Concerts in the Park series on Thursdays at 7 p.m. from June 20 through August 1, with a special performance as part of the City’s Fourth of July festivities. Bring a blanket and a picnic and enjoy free performances by local musicians. Each concert also features local artists and their artwork. Concerts are held atCherry Hill Park (312 Park Ave.), with the exception of the July 4th installment, which will be held at George Mason High School (7124 Leesburg Pike); all are free to the public. In the event of rain, concerts will be held in the Falls Church Community Center (223 Little Falls St.). For more information, call 703-248-5077 (TTY 711).

The concerts are sponsored by the City of Falls Church Recreation and Parks and the Village Preservation and Improvement Society (VPIS). The full schedule is available at www.fallschurchva.gov/Concerts.

2013 Lineup:

June 20             Falls Church Concert Band (concert music)

June 27             Mike Thornton & Project Natale (jazz)

July 4               The Apple Core at 4th of July Celebration (Beatles cover band)

July 11              Lu and the Blues Crew (blues and more from GMHS graduates)

July 18              Andrew Acosta and the New Old Time String Band (American roots)

July 25              Mama Tried with Randy Barrett and Dede Wyland (bluegrass)

August 1           Tom Nichols and Dan Chadburn (singer-songwriters)

For more information, visit www.fallschurchva.gov/Concerts

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